However, scientists from APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork and Teagasc Food Research Centre in Ireland, wanted to investigate further to see how short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) influence physical, stress-related gut damage.

“There is a growing recognition of the role of gut bacteria and the chemicals they make in the regulation of physiology and behaviour. The role of short-chain fatty acids in this process is poorly understood up until now,” said the study’s lead author Professor John F. Cryan.

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October 18th 2017

a year ago

Gut bacteria produces SCFAs when they digest fibre, which the cells of the colon then use as a primary source of energy, making them vital for good gut health.

When the researchers introduced SCFAs to the guts of mice, they found stress and anxiety-based behaviours were significantly reduced. This in turn meant gut leakiness caused by persistent stress, which can cause damaging chronic inflammation, was reduced, too.

The team concluded that a high-fibre diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains, might prompt gut bacteria to produce more SCFAs, therefore, strengthening the gut’s natural defences against the damage caused by stress, and limiting the chance of developing a “leaky” gut.

However, Professor Cryan highlights that further research is needed to make this a concrete statement: “It will be crucial that we look at whether short-chain fatty acids can ameliorate symptoms of stress-related disorders in humans.”

While this is the case, the researchers still recommend increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables is likely to be a sensible recommendation, regardless whether it impact levels of SCFAs or not.